Haunted New York

New York in autumn feels both festive and unsettled: Something about the changing weather makes us curious about the cycle of life and death. It’s the perfect time to reflect upon all the feet that have walked these streets before us, and all the eyes that have watched the city evolve. Some of these eyes seem to be watching us still. You can scarcely walk a block in Manhattan without encountering a haunted landmark.

By now you’re a thick-skinned ghost-chaser, right? After the show’s over, head to the heart of New York City haunts: the Dakota. Take a stroll (or a cab) up the west side of Central Park to get a full glimpse of the towers in all their ghastly majesty.

The Dakota, an apartment building completed in 1884, is a city landmark, and one of the more beautiful examples of architecture on the Upper West Side. But its exquisite veneer shields a history of tragedy and horror. Visit NYC-Architecture.com and marvel at the striking photos of the Dakota, stunning vistas of Central Park and blueprints of original designs. Scroll down the page and you’ll find a detailed account of resident John Lennon’s assassination, which happened right outside the building.

The famed musician is rumored to haunt the building, and construction workers claim to have seen apparitions of turn-of-the-century children. Although these stories can’t be proven, it is true that "Rosemary’s Baby," one of the most terrifying horror films of all time, was filmed there.

The Dakota is one of the best places to end your tour of terror. If you were yearning to see a ghost, we’re sure you’ve had your fill. And if you were once a nonbeliever, chances are you’ve changed your mind.